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If you’re interested in trying your hand at Israeli cuisine, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great Israeli cookbooks out there that can help you get started.
Israel has a vast array of cuisine, with traditional influences from the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Dishes boast unique flavors that complement one another perfectly and use basic ingredients in creative ways.
So whether you’re looking for traditional recipes from celebrated Israeli chefs or something a little different, we’ve got you covered.
- Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook by Adeena Sussman
- Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
- Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking by Michael Solomonov
- Other Awesome Israeli Cookbooks
- Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook
- Shuk: From Market to Table, the Heart of Israeli Home Cooking by Einat Admony and Janna Gur
- The Jewish Cookbook by Leah Koenig
- The Book of New Israeli Food: A Culinary Journey: A Cookbook by Janna Gur
- Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel: A Cookbook by Alon Shaya
- Breaking Breads: A New World of Israeli Baking–Flatbreads, Stuffed Breads, Challahs, Cookies, and the Legendary Chocolate Babka
- Jack’s Wife Freda: Cooking From New York’s West Village
- Modern Israeli Cooking: 100 New Recipes for Traditional Classics
My Top 3 Picks for Israeli Cookbooks
Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook by Adeena Sussman
Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen is an exciting cookbook from acclaimed chef Adeena Sussman.
It takes readers on a journey through the vibrant flavors of modern Israeli cuisine, from indulgent mezze platters to classic hummus and shakshuka.
Bursting with sun-soaked aromatics, seasonal ingredients, and recipes like eggplant tahini toast and oozy muhammara, this book offers dishes to satisfy every craving or occasion.
A must-have for fans of international cuisine or anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons — Sababa will bring flavor and flair to your table.
Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
Jerusalem: A Cookbook by British-Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi and head chef Sami Tamimi is a contemporary exploration of Middle Eastern food.
This distinct collection of over 170 recipes blends the flavors of Jerusalem to create unique dishes that incorporate a variety of cooking styles, including traditional home-style cooking and upscale restaurant cuisine.
With vibrant photography to accompany each recipe, this cookbook creates a link between its readers and this timeless city. It provides detailed descriptions of vibrant ingredients found in local markets while also exploring the customs associated with Jewish, Christian, and Muslim residents.
By creating this comprehensive overview with approachable recipes, Ottolenghi and Tamimi masterfully illustrate the diverse food culture of Jerusalem.
Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking by Michael Solomonov
Michael Solomonov’s cookbook Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking is a popular tome that explores the regional cuisine of Israel.
A winner of the James Beard cookbook of the year, it takes readers on a journey through the kitchens of Jerusalem, the Galilee, and other culinary destinations throughout the Middle Eastern country.
The book also highlights stories behind many beloved recipes and provides cooking tips for aspiring cooks.
Some of its stars include Tabbouleh Salad, Lamb Kebabs with Sumac Onions, and Roasted Squash with Tahini.
Whether you want to learn more about food from this fascinating region or add new flavors to your repertoire, Zahav offers an unparalleled experience in Israeli home cooking.
Other Awesome Israeli Cookbooks
Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook
Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious is a powerful new cookbook from acclaimed chefs Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook.
Perfect for both the experienced home cook and the aspiring chef, this book is rich with recipes inspired by their unique personal and culinary journeys in Israel.
Through over 200 recipes and vibrant photographs, Israeli Soul takes readers on a journey through centuries of traditional dishes to modern interpretations in homes around the world.
Drawing from global influences, Solomonov and Cook present full menus for special occasions and everyday pleasures. With easy-to-follow explanations and enticing ingredient lists, this book is sure to delight anyone who loves to get creative with food.
Shuk: From Market to Table, the Heart of Israeli Home Cooking by Einat Admony and Janna Gur
Shuk: From Market to Table is a fascinating and informative Israeli cookbook. Written by renowned Chefs and food writers Einat Admony and Janna Gur, the book is a compilation of classic Israeli home cooking recipes with Mediterranean influences intertwined into each dish.
All of the ingredients used in their recipes are sourced from markets in Israel, using local products and traditional spices that capture the vibrant flavors of this tasty cuisine.
The cookbook is effortlessly organized to create an easy-to-follow recipe guide for readers to enjoy exploring Israeli culture through gastronomy.
With Shuk: From Market to Table, each recipe is perfected with detailed steps and explanatory notes that inspire not just for cooks but also those looking to discover Israeli home cooking in all its heart and beauty.
The Jewish Cookbook by Leah Koenig
The Jewish Cookbook by Leah Koenig is an essential guide for Israeli cuisine enthusiasts.
Published in 2018, the book is filled with over 125 vibrant recipes from varied Jewish cultures, each of which injects a unique insight into Israel’s exceptional cooking.
A definitive source of rare ingredients and traditional holiday dishes as well as new variations on classic preparations, The Jewish Cookbook is a valuable addition to any collection of Israeli cookbooks.
With its clear instructions and genuinely delightful stories, leisurely reading is met with equally satisfactory eating. Regardless of your level of experience in the kitchen, there is something in this book for everyone to explore.
The Book of New Israeli Food: A Culinary Journey: A Cookbook by Janna Gur
The Book of New Israeli Food: A Culinary Journey is the perfect Israeli cookbook for anyone looking to explore the diverse flavors of Israeli food.
It is filled with a tasteful collection of recipes, each one offering its own unique story and flair. Edited by award-winning food writer Janna Gur, it is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Not only are there more than 200 recipes, from classic Israeli dishes to modern versions, but Gur also imparts stories about the country’s culture along the way.
Her enthusiasm for cooking is contagious and sure to inspire readers’ inner cooks. This one-of-a-kind cookbook is an absolute must-have for all Israeli food lovers!
Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel: A Cookbook by Alon Shaya
Alon Shaya’s “Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel: A Cookbook” explores modern Israeli food.
Developed over years of trial and error, this is one of the most impactful Israeli cookbooks released in recent history. Through hundreds of vivid colors, flavors, and textures that evoke a sense of place and emotion, Alon takes readers on an inspirational journey showcasing the timeless flavors found within this divine food.
Each page carries the story of Alon’s experience in discovering Israeli culture while highlighting local ingredients and flavors.
Breaking Breads: A New World of Israeli Baking–Flatbreads, Stuffed Breads, Challahs, Cookies, and the Legendary Chocolate Babka
Breaking Breads: A New World of Israeli Baking–Flatbreads, Stuffed Breads, Challahs, Cookies, and the Legendary Chocolate Babka by Uri Scheft and Raquel Pelzel provides an interesting insight into the wonderful world of Israeli baking.
Written by two experts in their respective fields of baking and pastry, the book offers a comprehensive look at traditional Jewish flatbreads from the Middle East with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
Not only does the book explore traditional recipes passed down through generations, but it also showcases new twists on classic flatbread flavors and nuances of kosher baking.
It even gets adventurous with recipes for sweet treats like Mandelbrot and Halvah cookie bars and mouthwatering traditional chocolate babka.
With over 150 delicious recipes alongside stunning photographs, the book is an excellent source of inspiration for creative chefs. Breaking Breads, is a must-have for anyone looking to unlock the secrets behind unique recipes while learning more about Israeli baking culture.
Established in Tel Aviv in 1997 by renowned chef Uril Scheft, Lehamim Bakery has been a go-to for Tel Aviv locals and visitors alike for over two decades. This Tel Aviv staple has grown from a single boutique bakery to a large-scale production with more than 6 locations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalenm and other cities around the country. He also co-founded a bakery in New York City called Breads Bakery.
Jack’s Wife Freda: Cooking From New York’s West Village
Jack’s Wife Freda cookbook is the perfect cookbook for New Yorkers looking to cook delicious, international cuisine from the cultures of the West Village.
The cookbook is filled with flavorful recipes inspired by the diverse cultural atmosphere in this vibrant neighborhood and perfectly captures the flavors of different cuisines such as Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Italian, and comfort food.
From comforting Jewish boiled dinners to Indian curries and classic Southern sides, Jack’s Wife Freda cookbook has something for everyone.
Modern Israeli Cooking: 100 New Recipes for Traditional Classics
If you’re looking for delicious Israeli home cooking, look no further than Danielle Oron’s cookbook “Modern Israeli Cooking: 100 New Recipes for Traditional Classics”.
This cookbook is perfect for home chefs interested in exploring Israeli cuisine’s unique flavors. With recipes ranging from herb-roasted fish to aromatic tahini sauces and shakshouka, there’s something to please everyone.
Oron puts her own spin on these traditional dishes, adding both new flavorings and modern presentation techniques that beautifully showcase the vibrant character of Israeli food.
This cookbook provides a wonderful opportunity to bring an authentic taste of Israel into your kitchen.
Summary 11 Best Israeli Cookbooks
If you’re looking to add some new recipes to your repertoire, these 11 cookbooks will give you a crash course in the best of Israeli cuisine, with flavors you’ve experienced from your favorite Israeli restaurant, while using local and seasonal ingredients.
From classics like falafel and hummus to modern dishes from celebrated Israeli chefs, writers, and even James Beard award winners, these cookbooks have something for home cooks everywhere. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
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